System and method for multimedia on demand services

ABSTRACT

The present invention is a system and method for multimedia-on-demand services. In an embodiment, a multimedia-on-demand system includes a mass storage device that receives and stores a multimedia content item. A processor and a memory are coupled to the mass storage device. The memory can store a multimedia-on-demand data table and multimedia-on-demand instructions. The multimedia-on-demand data table can include a multimedia content identifier field adapted to store a multimedia content identifier, where the multimedia content identifier corresponds to a multimedia content item stored on the mass storage device. The multimedia-on-demand data table can also include a multimedia content usage indicator field adapted to store a multimedia content usage indicator, where the multimedia content usage indicator is associated with the multimedia content item stored on the mass storage device. The multimedia-on-demand instructions can be executed by the processor and can include instructions to automatically receive the multimedia content item. The multimedia-on-demand instructions can also send a multimedia-on-demand usage message, where the multimedia-on-demand usage message is based at least in part on the multimedia content usage indicator.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to entertainment systems. Moreparticularly, the present invention relates to systems and methods formultimedia on demand services.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Consumers' homes typically include separate physical networks tosupport the distribution of video, audio, telephony, and data. Forexample, coaxial cable (such as quad-shielded RG6 coax), is ofteninstalled in homes for the distribution of audio/video (e.g., cabletelevision (“CATV”), satellite broadcast television, local broadcasttelevision) signals, while speaker wire is installed for thedistribution of audio signals. Conventional home phone lines carrytelephony and data. For example, the Home Phoneline Networking Alliance(HPNA) 2.0 specification supports networking speeds of 10 megabits persecond (Mb/S). Twisted pair wiring, such as Category of Performance 5(“CAT 5”), CAT 5e, CAT 6, or CAT 7, can be installed to supporttelephony networking and broadband data networking. CAT 5 cabling cansupport applications requiring a carrier frequency of up to 100megahertz (“MHz), and CAT 5e cabling can support signaling rates of upto 200 MHz over distances of up to 100 meters. Proposed cablingstandards (proposed as of July, 2000) CAT 6 and CAT 7 are intended tosupport signaling rates of up to 250 MHz and 600 MHz respectively.Broadband data networking can also be supported by optical fibercabling, such as Optical Carrier 3 (“OC-3”) or better. OC-3 fibercabling can support data transmission rates of up to 155.52 Mb/S.

[0003] To support delivery of integrated services (e.g., Web-enhancedTV) over these separate physical networks, known digital set top boxes(“STBs”) typically have a plurality of physical interfaces forconnection to the separate networks, e.g., a coax network interface fordelivery of audio-video, a twisted pair network interface for broadbanddata networking, and other types of networks. In addition to havingseparate physical networks to handle video distribution, audiodistribution, telephony networking, and broadband data networking,consumers often must learn to use different user interfaces foraccessing and using video, audio, telephony and broadband datanetworking applications and services.

[0004] In the direct digital broadcast satellite TV business and in thedigital cable TV business, service providers have started to introduceenhanced digital STBs that are Web-enabled and include computer harddrives for supporting the recording, storage, and playback of broadcastcontent. In addition, some enhanced digital STBs include two tuners sothat a consumer can be watching one program while recording anotherprogram. The enhanced digital STBs can provide for pay-per-view moviedelivery, but such services typically require the consumer to select apay-per-view that is pre-scheduled for a particular time. For example,the consumer may have the choice of watching the pay-per-view movie at8:00 p.m. or at 9:00 p.m. If the consumer, for example, wanted to watchthe pay-per-view movie beginning at 7:00 p.m., she nevertheless wouldhave to wait until 8:00 p.m. to begin viewing the pay-per-view movie.

[0005] The enhanced digital STBs are usually more expensive than a basicdigital STB. Service providers have estimated that most households willbe unlikely to purchase more than one of the enhanced digital STBsbecause of the significantly higher costs associated with the enhanceddigital STBs (e.g., including Web-enablement, a hard drive, a secondtuner). Although many consumers will have multiple digital STBs in theirhomes, it is likely that only one digital STB per home will be anenhanced digital STB. Therefore, consumers will only have access toenhanced services—such as video/audio on demand, interactive TV, Websurfing, e-mail, electronic shopping and recording/storing/playback ofbroadcast programs—when they are using their enhanced digital STB.

[0006] In view of the foregoing, it can be appreciated that asubstantial need exists for systems and methods that can advantageouslyprovide for multimedia on demand services.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Embodiments of the present invention relate tomultimedia-on-demand services that can be provided by automaticdownloading of selections of multimedia content items to a mass storagedevice. A user can select usage (e.g., playing, purchasing) of thelocally-stored multimedia content items, and that usage can be reportedto the multimedia-on-demand service provider. The locally-storedselections of multimedia content items can be automatically updated withdownloads of new content items and removal of old content items.

[0008] In an embodiment, a system can include a mass storage device, aprocessor and a memory. The mass storage device can receive and store amultimedia content item, and the memory can store a multimedia-on-demanddata table and multimedia-on-demand instructions. Themultimedia-on-demand data table can include a multimedia contentidentifier field to store a multimedia content identifier, where themultimedia content identifier corresponds to a multimedia content itemstored on the mass storage device. The multimedia-on-demand data tablecan include a multimedia content usage indicator field to store amultimedia content usage indicator, where the multimedia content usageindicator corresponds to the multimedia content item stored on the massstorage device. The multimedia-on-demand instruction can be executed bythe processor and can include instructions to automatically receive themultimedia content item and send a multimedia-on-demand usage message,where the multimedia-on-demand usage message is based at least in parton the multimedia content usage indicator.

[0009] A method for providing multimedia-on-demand, in an embodiment,can include automatically sending a plurality of multimedia contentitems and a plurality of multimedia content item storage identifiers.The automatic sending of multimedia content items can be based at leastin part on a subscriber profile, and each multimedia content item of theplurality of multimedia content items can correspond to a multimediacontent item storage identifier of the plurality of multimedia contentitem storage identifiers. Subsequently, a multimedia content usagereport can be received. The multimedia content usage report can includea multimedia content item usage indicator, where the multimedia contentitem usage indicator corresponds to a multimedia content item of theplurality of multimedia content items.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010]FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention.

[0011]FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a preferred embodiment of abroadband multimedia gateway.

[0012]FIG. 3 is an illustration of a thin-client digital set top boxaccording to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0013]FIG. 4 shows an illustration of an embodiment of the presentinvention.

[0014]FIG. 5 shows a data table in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention.

[0015]FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Overview

[0017] According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, acomprehensive digital residential entertainment system can provideaccess to multimedia content over an in-home broadband data networkcoupled to a variety of information appliances. A primary broadband datanetwork is implemented over twisted pair (Category 5 or better) wiringin conjunction with Ethernet switch technology operating, in anembodiment, at a minimum of 100 Mbps. In general, twisted pair wiring iseasier and cheaper to install than the coaxial wiring that is typicallyinstalled in homes to distribute video content. When used with Ethernetswitch technology, twisted pair wiring is capable of supporting thedistribution of broadcast quality entertainment video, such as directdigital broadcast satellite TV or digital cable TV, as well as,simultaneously supporting a wide range of multimedia applications andservices.

[0018] Within the digital residential entertainment system, the primarybroadband data network can be supplemented and extended by the additionof plug-in modules for other lower bandwidth data networkingtechnologies, such as Home Phoneline Networking Alliance (HomePNA)Version 2.0, HomeRF Shared Wireless Access Protocol (Home RF SWAP), IEEE802.11, Bluetooth, and other similar technologies. For example, HomePNAVersion 2.0 allows for the multiplexing of 10 Mbps of data over existingphone wiring in the home without interfering with analog telephonyservices operating over the same telephone wiring. HomeRF, IEEE 802.11and Bluetooth are wireless data, or voice/data, technologies. Within thedigital residential entertainment system, HomePNA, HomeRF, IEEE 802.11and Bluetooth can principally be used for transmitting lower bandwidthmultimedia content, such as audio content, as opposed to entertainmentquality audio-video transmitted over the primary broadband data network.As newer technology emerges that improves the performancecharacteristics of HomePNA and “wireless” technology, entertainmentquality audio-video can be supported over what is defined today as lowerbandwidth technologies.

[0019] In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the digitalresidential entertainment system is based on a client/serverarchitecture. A core element of the system is a broadband multimediagateway (BMG) that can operate both as a multimedia gateway and contentserver within a client/server architecture. It contains an Ethernetswitch that, in a typical embodiment, is capable of data communicationsof at least 100 Mbps per switch port. The BMG can receive video, audioand other forms of multimedia content from a variety of broadcasts(e.g., direct digital broadcast satellite TV, digital cable TV,terrestrial broadcast analog and/or digital TV), Intranet, and Internetsources. As used to describe embodiments of the present invention, theterm “multimedia” encompasses video, audio, audio-video, text, graphics,facsimile, data, animation, and combinations thereof. The BMG candeliver multimedia content to a wide range of information appliances,such as digital televisions, computers, sound systems, electronic bookdisplays, and graphical data tablets.

[0020] A digital residential entertainment system can include a BMG thathas multiple tuner/demodulators which receive broadcast multimediacontent and send the received multimedia content to the Ethernet switchof the BMG. For example, in an embodiment having multipletuner/demodulators, each tuner/demodulator can be coupled to arespective switch port of the Ethernet switch. In another embodiment,the multiple tuner/demodulators have a shared communication link to aswitch port of the Ethernet switch. Upon receiving multimedia content,the BMG can transmit the multimedia content through the Ethernet switchover the twisted pair data network to an information appliance (e.g., athin-client digital set-top box, an audio system, a wireless MP3 player,or a wireless electronic device), store the multimedia content forfuture access, or transmit and store coincidentally (e.g.,simultaneously). The BMG includes a mass storage device (e.g., acomputer hard drive) that can store multimedia content from broadcastsources, an Intranet or the Internet.

[0021] In an embodiment, multimedia content can be stored in anencrypted format on the mass storage device. Thin-client informationappliances, such as digital STBs, can include decoding and/ordeciphering capabilities. Encryption of multimedia content can ensurethat proprietary and/or copyrighted material is protected as it istransmitted across the residential broadband data network. Conditionalaccess systems (“CAS”) using smartcard technology, such as thosemanufactured by NagraCard S.A. of Cheseaux, Switzerland and NDS GroupPLC of the United Kingdom, can be integrated in the entertainmentsystem.

[0022] The BMG can manage multiple demodulators/tuners to allowrecording one or more broadcast programs while watching anotherbroadcast program. A program that is being watched can also be recordedto provide a viewer of the program with the ability to control theplayback of the program (e.g., the ability to pause, rewind, and soforth). Multimedia content that is stored on the BMG can be accessedfrom any of the information appliances on the broadband home network.

[0023] In an embodiment, the BMG can include a Web-server to support astructured, Web browser-based user interface on each informationappliance coupled to the BMG, such as digital STBs, audio systems,wireless MP3 players and wireless electronic books. For example, aninfrared remote control and/or an optional wireless keyboard cancommunicate with a digital STB to interact with the Web browser-basedgraphical user interface that is presented on an information appliancesuch as a TV screen. The Web browser-based graphical user interface maybe used to access broadcast and on-demand video and audio content andmultimedia applications and services. Because the enhanced functionalityresides in the central BMG as opposed to peripheral thick-client digitalSTBs, a broad range of functionality, including record/store/playback ofbroadcast programs, video/audio on demand, interactive TV, Web surfing,e-mail and electronic shopping, is accessible from every thin-clientdigital STB in the home.

[0024] For example, to view broadcast video content, a consumer can usean infrared remote control to select the content that he or she wants toview by utilizing a broadcast program guide, a search function, enteringa channel number, and so on. After the consumer makes a selection, thethin-client digital STB communicates with the BMG requesting that thedigital multimedia content be delivered to the digital STB. When theconsumer selects playing of a broadcast satellite television channel,for example, the BMG can tune a demodulator/tuner to the selectedbroadcast channel and begin streaming the selected MPEG video streamthrough the Ethernet switch and over the twisted pair wiring to thedigital STB where the video steam is decoded and displayed on the TV.

[0025] Service providers will be able to download multimedia content,such as movies, to the mass storage device of the BMG. The downloadingcan be accomplished using a broadband data service to the home, such asAsymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (“ADSL”), or via a satellite directmulticast/broadcast service. In a movies-on-demand service, when aconsumer wants to watch a movie, they would use their infrared remotecontrol to access a Web page on the BMG Web server to determine whatmovies are currently stored on the BMG. After the consumer selects amovie for viewing, the BMG would begin streaming the selected movie outto the thin-client digital STB/TV for viewing. While viewing amovie-on-demand, a consumer would have playback control, such as play,pause, stop, rewind and fast forward. The consumer could also opt topurchase a personal copy of the movie. The copy could be stored on theBMG, or output to separate mass storage medium (e.g., written to aDigital Versatile Disc). Audio content, such as an albums-on-demandservice, could be implemented in a similar manner to allow playback andpurchasing of audio content.

[0026] The preferred embodiment of the digital residential entertainmentsystem is to couple the BMG to a residential gateway, where theresidential gateway is coupled to an always-on broadband data service,such as ADSL or a fiber optic service. The BMG can be installed in homeswithout a residential gateway and/or a broadband data service. When theBMG is installed in homes without a broadband data service, the BMG canbe coupled to a voiceband analog modem (e.g., a V.90 modem) coupled toan analog telephone line. The dial-up voiceband analog modem may be usedto support maintenance, administration and billing applications (e.g.,billing for movies-on-demand, music-on-demand).

[0027] As consumer data services offering significantly higher bandwidthto the home become available, such as fiber optical networks extendinginto the home, it will be possible to install a BMG, or a system withcomparable functionality, outside of the home in a network-basedplatform.

[0028] Embodiments of the present invention can advantageously provide:

[0029] 1. A common physical network in the home that supports thedistribution of broadcast video, the distribution of audio, telephonynetworking, and broadband data networking, as opposed to using separatenetworks;

[0030] 2. Less expensively installed twisted pair wiring can beinstalled for the distribution of broadcast quality entertainment videocontent as compared to a discrete coaxial cable system for thedistribution of broadcast quality entertainment video content;

[0031] 3. A relatively consistent, easy-to-use, Web-browser-based userinterface can provide a user access to broadcast and on-demand video andaudio content, as well as multimedia applications and services, on arange of information appliances;

[0032] 4. Consumer access to many enhanced services—such as video/audioon demand, interactive TV, Web surfing, e-mail, electronic shopping andrecording/storing/playback of broadcast programs—from each thin-clientdigital STB/TV in the home;

[0033] 5. Quality of Service (QoS) concerns associated with deliveringmultimedia content via an Ethernet Internet Protocol (IP) can beaddressed because each information appliance, such as a thin-clientdigital STB, is connected to a respective port on an Ethernet switchthat is operating at a speed of 100 Mbps or higher. In an embodiment,each demodulator/tuner and the mass data storage device are alsoconnected to a respective port on the Ethernet switch; and

[0034] 6. Centralized functionality in the BMG and use of Ethernetinterfaces within a thin-client digital STBs that can reduce thecomplexity and cost of digital STBs.

[0035] Examples of Embodiments

[0036]FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention. A BMG 100 includes a data switch 101 coupled to atuner/demodulator 102 and a mass storage device 103. As used to describeembodiments of the present invention, the term “coupled” encompasses adirect connection, an indirect connection, or a combination thereof.Moreover, two devices that are coupled can engage in directcommunications, in indirect communications, or a combination thereof. Inan embodiment, the data switch 101 is an Ethernet switch, such as a100Base-T Ethernet switch. In another embodiment, the data switch 101 isa router.

[0037] Tuner/demodulator 102 can be coupled to one or more of aplurality of multimedia transmission systems, where each multimediatransmission system transmits a plurality of transmission signals (e.g.,audio, video, television, data, etc.). Examples of multimediatransmission systems include CATV, direct broadcast satellite TV, directbroadcast satellite radio, terrestrial broadcast TV, terrestrialbroadcast radio, and so forth. Tuner/demodulator 102 can be coupled to aCATV system (e.g., a headend of a CATV system) via communications link32 (e.g., a coaxial cable). A plurality of transmission signals from adirect broadcast satellite TV system including satellite 20 andsatellite dish 21 can be received by tuner/demodulator 102 viacommunications link 22. Also, tuner/demodulator 102 can be coupled to aterrestrial broadcast TV system via transmitter 10, antenna 11, andcommunications link 12.

[0038] The plurality of transmission signals from the multimediatransmission systems can be transmitted over a plurality of informationchannels, such as, for example, frequency divided information channels,time divided information channels, code divided information channels,wave divided information channels, or dense wave divided informationchannels. A tuner of tuner/demodulator 102 can select an informationchannel of the plurality of information channels and pass a transmissionsignal to a demodulator of tuner/demodulator 102. The demodulator oftuner/demodulator 102 can extract an information signal from thetransmission signal. For example, a tuner can pass a transmission signalat a particular frequency to a demodulator, and the demodulator canextract the information signal from the transmission signal. In such anexample, the transmission signal includes a carrier signal and aninformation signal. The information signal can be a discrete (i.e.,singular) information signal or a multiplexed, composite informationsignal. For example, a multiplexed, composite information signal maycontain a plurality of information signals where discrete informationsignals are time-division multiplexed, frequency-division multiplexed,and/or code-division multiplexed. Accordingly, tuner/demodulator 102 caninclude a plurality of tuners and/or demodulators to isolate aninformation signal that is multiply multiplexed (e.g.,frequency-multiplexed and time-multiplexed).

[0039] The information signal can be an analog information signal or adigital information signal. When the information signal is an analoginformation signal, an analog-to-digital converter can convert theanalog information signal to a digital information signal (e.g., aMotion Picture Experts Group 2 (MPEG-2) signal). In an embodiment, a BMGcan support multiple MPEG2 encoding sessions (e.g., two or more MPEG2encoding sessions) and handle overlay processing. An example of overlayprocessing is presenting MPEG2 or other digital information in amultiple layer format. In another embodiment, a service applicationrunning on a BMG system can support transparent layers such as, forexample, overlaying a Web page on top of a TV program image used forinteractive TV services.

[0040] Tuner/demodulator 102 can send an information signal to massstorage device 103. Mass storage device 103 can be a hard disk drive, amagnetic storage device, an optical storage device, a magneto-opticalstorage device, or a combination thereof. The mass storage device 103can store a digital information signal for subsequent playback andallows the BMG 100 to provide playback control (e.g., play, pause,rewind, fast forward, frame advance, etc.) of multimedia content (e.g.,broadcast programs, movies, music, etc.).

[0041] Data switch 101 can receive a digital information signal frommass storage device 103, another digital information signal fromtuner/demodulator 102, or a plurality of digital information signalsfrom mass storage device 103 and/or tuner/demodulator 102. In anembodiment, a BMG 100 includes a plurality of tuner/demodulators, eachof which can provide a digital information signal to data switch 101. Inan embodiment, data switch 101 receives each digital information signalvia a respective, dedicated switch port. For example, when mass storagedevice is capable of concurrently sending four information signals toswitch 101, switch 101 can include four dedicated switch ports, whereeach dedicated switch port receives one information signal via adedicated communications path. Moreover, when BMG 100 includes threetuner/demodulators, each tuner/demodulator can be coupled to arespective switch port of three switch ports of switch 101 such thateach switch port receives one information signal. In another embodiment,data switch 101 can include a switch port coupled to a shared bus, wherethe shared bus carries a plurality of information signals. For example,dependant upon the data bandwidth requirements of the informationsignals and the data bandwidth capabilities of the shared bus and theswitch port, the switch port may be able to receive four concurrentinformation signals.

[0042] In an embodiment, data switch 101 can receive a digitalmultimedia information signal (e.g., audio, video text data, graphics,or a combination thereof) via broadband data link 2 and residentialgateway 5. After receiving the digital information signal (e.g., frommass storage device 103, from tuner/demodulator 102), data switch 101can send the digital information signal to one or more of a plurality ofinformation appliances coupled to the switch 101. Examples ofinformation appliances that can receive a digital information signalinclude a digital set top box 300, a television 40 (e.g., a televisioncoupled to a digital set top box, a television including digital set topbox functionality), a computer 50, an audio system 60, an electronicbook device 70, an MP3 (MPEG Layer-3) player 80, an so on. Informationappliances can be coupled to the data switch 101 via a high bandwidth(i.e., broadband) communication link 95, a wired lower bandwidthcommunications link 96, and/or a wireless lower bandwidth communicationslink 97. Examples of high bandwidth communications links 95 include CAT5, CAT 5e, CAT 6, or CAT 7 twisted pair wiring. Additional examples ofhigh bandwidth communications links 95 include coaxial cable, opticalfiber cable (e.g., OC-3 cable), and so forth. Examples of a wired lowerbandwidth communications links 96 include HomePNA Version 2.0 compliantphoneline wiring coupled to a HomePNA port 141, CAT 3 twisted pairwiring, etc. Examples of wireless lower bandwidth communications links97 include a HomeRF communications link (e.g., generated at least inpart by a HomeRF transceiver 142), an IEEE 802.11 communications link(e.g., generated at least in part by an IEEE 802.11 transceiver 143), aBluetooth communications link (e.g., generated by a Bluetoothtransceiver 144), and so on.

[0043] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention,multiple information appliances can receive a digital information signalfrom data switch 101. For example, a television program broadcast by aCATV system can be received by BMG 100, and BMG can send that televisionprogram to a plurality of televisions 40 and/or computer 50 such that auser at an information appliance views the television program inreal-time. BMG 100 can also store that television program on massstorage device 103 so that a user can view the television program at alater time on one or more of the information appliances (e.g.,televisions 40 and/or computer 50).

[0044] Data switch 101 can also allow one or more users to access abroadband data service including a broadband data link 2. Examples of abroadband data link 2 include an ADSL link, a fiber optic link, and soon. A residential gateway 5 can interface communications between thebroadband data service and the BMG 100. Residential gateway 5, in anembodiment, includes an integrated ADSL modem, a router and a firewall.It can be Open Services Gateway initiative (“OSGi”)-compliant. (Seewww.osgi.org for additional OSGi information). Data switch 101 canallow, for example, a user at computer 50 to access the World Wide Web(the “Web”) while another user accesses the Web as part of aWeb-enhanced television service at a television 40.

[0045]FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a preferred embodiment of abroadband multimedia gateway. BMG 110 can include mass storage device103 coupled to a data switch/router 105. Data switch/router 105 can be a100Base-T Ethernet switch, a 10/100Base-T Ethernet switch, a GigabitEthernet switch, an ATM router, and so forth. The data switch/router 105can be coupled to signal processing circuit 120.

[0046] Signal processing circuit 120 can include a plurality of tuners121 and a plurality of demodulators 123, where each demodulator 123 iscoupled to a tuner 121. Each tuner can be coupled to one or morecommunications links, e.g., communications links 12, 22, and 32. When acommunication link is coupled to a plurality of tuners 121, a pluralityof information signals (e.g., television programs, movies, audio, songs,albums, etc.) broadcast over a communications link can be sent to dataswitch/router 105 and/or mass storage device 103 to allow real-timeviewing and/or playback control (e.g., viewing, playing, recording,pausing, etc.) of multiple information signals. For example, a viewer ata first television may view a first CATV program, and another viewer ata second television may view a second CATV program. Further, a viewercan view a first CATV program while a second CATV program is recorded tothe mass storage device.

[0047] In an embodiment, each tuner 121 is coupled to the Ethernetswitch via a dedicated connection to the Ethernet switch (e.g., a firsttuner 121 is coupled to a first switch port of data switch/router 105via a dedicated communications link 146, a second tuner 121 is coupledto a second switch port of data switch/router 105 via another dedicatedcommunication link). In another embodiment, each tuner 121 is coupled todata switch/router 105 via a shared communications link, such as sharedEthernet communications link 145, or a shared system bus 135. A sharedsystem bus 135 can be coupled to signal processing circuit 120 forcommunications of control signals that can direct operation of tuners121, demodulators 123, and other signal processing circuits and/or logiccoupled to signal processing circuit 120. For example, control signalscommunicated to signal processing circuit 120 can include instructionsto tune a tuner to a particular information channel to receive atransmission signal. In an embodiment, control signals can control theoperation of an analog-to-digital converter 125 that can receive ananalog information signal (e.g., an National Television StandardsCommittee (NTSC) TV signal) and output a digital information signalbased at least in part on the analog information signal (e.g., an MPEG-2digital information signal). The signal processing circuit 120 can alsobe coupled to a decryption circuit/logic 127 that can decrypt and/orunscramble an encrypted and/or scrambled information signal, and adecoder 126 that can convert a digital information signal from onedigital format to a second digital format. In a further embodiment, thedecryption circuit/logic 127 is coupled to a smartcard reader 129 tosupport CAS functionality.

[0048] An information signal (e.g., an audio-video signal from a DVDdevice, an audio signal from a Compact Disc (CD) device, an audio-videosignal from a Video Cassette Recorder/Player (VCR), and so forth) canalso be received by the BMG 110 via an auxiliary multimedia input 166,which can be coupled to the data switch/router 105 via system bus 135,via an Ethernet communications link, etc. In an embodiment, informationsignals can be encrypted and/or decrypted by cipher/decipher logic 168.Cipher/decipher logic 168 can decrypt and/or encrypt information signalsaccording to encryption/copy protection protocols such as an Analog CPS(Copy Protection System) (e.g., a Macrovision protocol), CGMS (CopyGuard Management System), CSS (Content Scrambling System), CPPM (ContentProtection for Prerecorded Media), CPRM (Content Protection forRecordable Media), DCPS (Digital Copy Protection System), DTCP (DigitalTransmission Content Protection), and so forth. An information signalreceived from the auxiliary multimedia input 166 can be stored—eitherencrypted or unencrypted—on the mass storage device 103 and/or sent toone or more information appliances coupled to data switch/router 105.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment, BMG 110 includes a processor 130 and amemory 131, each coupled system bus 135. Processor 130 can be, forexample, an Intel Pentium® III processor, manufactured by Intel Corp. ofSanta Clara, Calif. As another example, processor 130 can be anApplication Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC). Memory 131 may be arandom access memory (RAM), a dynamic RAM (DRAM), a static RAM (SRAM), avolatile memory, a non-volatile memory, a flash RAM, a cache memory, ahard disk drive, a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, amagneto-optical storage device, or a combination thereof.

[0050] Memory 131 of BMG 110 can store a plurality of instructions tocontrol the operations of BMG 110, such as program recording, programplayback, pay-per-view, and so forth. In an embodiment, the operationsof BMG 110 can be controlled at least in part via a Web browser-basedgraphical user interface (GUI) displayed to a user (e.g., displayed on atelevision). In an embodiment, memory 131 can store Web-serverinstructions such as GUI instructions to provide a Web browser-based GUIto a user, BMG operation program instructions, pay-per-view managementprogram instructions, and other instructions related to control andoperation of the BMG 110. Web-server instructions can also provideWeb-enhanced television to televisions coupled to data switch/router105. In another embodiment, the BMG 110 includes a Web-server 160 toprovide a Web browser-based GUI to a user for control and operationalpurposes.

[0051] Information appliances can be coupled to data switch/router 105via dedicated high bandwidth Ethernet communications links 295, each ofwhich can be coupled to a respective switch port of data switch/router105. In an embodiment, each of Ethernet communications links 295 is aCAT 5 or better cable. High bandwidth Ethernet communications links 295can carry high bandwidth information signals (e.g., digital TV signals,MPEG-2 information signals, HDTV signals, and other audio-videosignals). Lower bandwidth information signals (e.g., audio, text, and soforth) can be communicated over lower bandwidth communications links,which can be a dedicated lower bandwidth communication link 147 or ashared lower bandwidth communication link 140.

[0052] Stream management logic and/or circuitry 150 can be coupled todata switch/router 105. In an embodiment, the stream management 150 caninclude a port router, a multiplexer, and overlay processing logic. Theport router can preserve quality of service (QOS) delivery between endpoints in the home network (e.g., between TVs and the DigitalResidential Entertainment System). The router ensures that the onlydigital signal sent on the unique network segment pertains to theestablished session between the designated end point devices. Themultiplexer, in an embodiment, can synchronize multimedia of differentsource types such as TV programming and advertising material. Forexample, pertinent content can be synchronized based on the requirementsof the service offering. The synchronized content can then sent over theinternal bus structure of Digital Residential Entertainment System tothe overlay processor. The overlay processing logic can supportsuperimposing one or more information signals (e.g., a secondaudio-video signal, a computer graphics signal) over a first informationsignal (e.g., a first audio-video signal). Web-enhanced television andpicture-in-a-picture (PiP) functionality can utilize the overlayprocessing logic.

[0053] BMG 110 can also include input/output logic and devices 137. Forexample, input/output 137 can include one or more test ports such as akeyboard input, a mouse input, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) input, aVideo Graphics Array (VGA) output. Peripherals (e.g., a keyboard, amouse, a video monitor) can be coupled to the test ports to assist withset-up, repair, maintenance and/or upgrading of BMG 110. Input/output137 can also include a USB port that can be coupled to a printer, arecordable media device (e.g., a Rewritable CD-ROM drive (“CD-RW”), aRewritable DVD drive (“DVD-RAM”), a flash memory device, and so on), andso on. For example, printouts such as program settings, systemconfigurations, and service charges can be printed via a USB port.Information programs (e.g., television shows, movies, songs, multimedia,and so forth) can be archived and/or copied to removable media (e.g.,DVD, CD-ROM) to free up space on mass storage device 103 or provide fora portable version (e.g., a gift DVD, a CD-ROM for a car audio player,etc.). Input/output 137 can also include a smart card reader/writer thatcan in part control access to pay-per-view services, limit access totypes of programs or channels, and support debug operations. Smart cardsare typically a credit card-sized card that contain a microprocessor,memory, and a battery. They can store electronic keys, user profiles,user identifiers, access rights, financial information, and other data.Debug operations can be integrated as a base operation in the systemservice applications. Only authorized and ultimately authenticated smartcards inserted into the entertainment system (e.g., into card reader129, coupled to input/output 137) can open locally accessible debugoperations. “Consumer” smart cards are authorized for services designedand developed for entertainment content delivery. Thus, an embodiment ofthe present invention has real-time pay-per-view and multimedia deliverysupport. In a further embodiment, pay-per-view events can be authorizedat least in part with a CAS smartcard device.

[0054]FIG. 3 is an illustration of a thin-client digital set top boxaccording to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.Thin-client digital set top box (TC DSTP) 300 can be coupled to a switchport of a data switch (e.g., a switch port of an Ethernet switch) via adedicated high bandwidth communications link 95. In another embodiment,a plurality of TC DSTPs 300 and a data switch can be coupled via ashared high bandwidth communications link. TC DSPT 300 receives adigital information signal from the data switch and can output an audioand/or video signal to television 40. Television 40 can include a videodisplay that displays video based at least in part on the video signaland audio components (e.g., speakers) that output audio based at leastin part on the audio signal. The audio signal can also be received by anaudio system (e.g., a home theater system) that produces audio of abetter quality than the speakers of a typical television.

[0055] TC DSTB 300 can include an Ethernet interface 310 when coupled toa BMG including an Ethernet switch. When TC DSTB 300 is coupled to a BMGhaving a different type of data switch supporting a differentcommunications protocol (e.g., an ATM router), the TC DSTB 300 caninclude a data switch interface compatible with that different type ofdata switch. TC DSTB 300 can receive a digital information signal fromthe data switch and process the digital information signal for output asan audio and/or video signal. For example, TC DSTB 300 can includedecryption logic 320 coupled to the Ethernet interface 310 via a bus315, and the decryption logic 320 can decrypt digital informationsignals that are sent by the data switch in an encrypted and/orprotected format. Decoder logic 325 can also be included in TC DSTB 300to convert a digital information signal from a first digital format(e.g., a transmission format, a compressed format) to a second digitalformat (e.g., a display format).

[0056] Operation of the TC DSTB 300 can be controlled at least in partby processor 330 and memory 331. An RF transceiver 333 of TC DSTB 300can receive from a remote control 305 remote data (e.g., remote controlinstructions, remote control data) relating to operation and control ofTC DSTB 300, such as instructions relating to playback control ofinformation signals sent to TC DSTB 300 and television 40. Remotecontrol 305 can select programs to be displayed that are beingtransmitted by a CATV system, a DBS TV system, a terrestrial TV system.Playback control commands can be sent by remote control 305 to controlplayback of programs stored on mass storage device 103. In anembodiment, remote control 305 can include keyboard and pointerfunctionality to facilitate Web surfing and/or Web-enhanced television.

[0057] In an embodiment, TC DSTB 300 controls the display of a Webbrowser-based GUI (“WBB GUI”) on television 40. The WBB GUI can providean interface for accessing multimedia applications and content, and theTC DSTB 300 can control the display of the WBB GUI based at least inpart on user input received via remote 305 and program instructions anddata stored in TC DSTB 300 and/or a BMG coupled to the TC DSTB 300. Forexample, applications that can be executed based on the WBB GUI and theremote 305 include a broadcast program guide; broadcast TV viewingcontrol; broadcast audio listening control; movies-on-demand;audio-on-demand; recording, storage and playback of broadcast programs;interactive TV; Web-enhanced TV; e-mail communications; Web surfing;electronic surfing; and so forth.

[0058]FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention. ABMG 600 can include a plurality of buses to interconnect BMG components.For example, the plurality of buses can include a media bus 610, anetwork bus 615, and a system data bus 620. Media bus 610 can receiveinformation signals (e.g., broadcast signals, multimedia signals, and soon) from signal processing circuit 120. In an embodiment, signalprocessing circuit 120 and media bus 610 are coupled via systemcipher/dechiper logic 628. System data bus 620 can be coupled to themedia bus 610 to receive information signals (e.g., for storage on massstorage device 103, for sending to information appliances, and so on).In an embodiment, media bus 610 and system data bus 620 can be coupledto a video overlay processor 605 to support at least in partpicture-in-picture operations, picture-in-graphic operations, and othervideo overlay operations. System data bus 620 can be coupled to dataswitch/router 105 via network bus 615 to receive information signals(e.g., real-time information signals), overlayed information signals andstored information signals (e.g., stored on mass storage device 103).Data switch/router 105 can be coupled to a plurality of high bandwidthcommunications links 95 for transmission of information signals toinformation appliances.

[0059]FIG. 4 shows an illustration of an embodiment of the presentinvention. A plurality of transmission signals are received (e.g., by amultichannel tuner), and each transmission signal includes aninformation signal (box 405). A first transmission signal of theplurality of transmission signals is selected (e.g., by the multichanneltuner) (box 410), and demodulated to isolate a first information signal(box 415). Whether the first information signal is to be viewed at afirst information appliance is determined (box 417). When the firstinformation signal is to be viewed at a first information appliance, thefirst information signal is sent to a digital data switch (box 420), andthe digital data switch can send the first information signal to thefirst information appliance via a first broadband communications linkcoupled to the digital data switch (box 425).

[0060] Whether the first information signal is to be viewed at a secondinformation appliance is determined (box 427). When the firstinformation signal is to be viewed at a second information appliance,the digital data switch can send the first information signal to thesecond information appliance via a second broadband communications linkcoupled to the digital data switch (box 430). Whether the firstinformation signal is to be record (e.g., for later playback, forplayback control, to provide personal video recording (“PVR”)functionality, and so on) is determined (box 432). When the firstinformation signal is to be recorded, it can be stored on a mass storagedevice (box 435).

[0061] In an embodiment, the first information signal is sent to themass storage device via the digital data switch. In another embodiment,the first information signal is sent to the digital data switch via themass storage device. In a further embodiment, the first informationsignal is sent to both the mass storage device and the digital dataswitch contemporaneously (e.g., in parallel, in serial).

[0062] The digital data switch receives an instruction to send a secondinformation signal from the second information appliance via the secondbroadband communications link (box 440), and sends the instruction tosend a second information signal to a processor (box 445). The processorsends a select second transmission instruction (e.g., to themultichannel tuner) (box 450). The second transmission signal of theplurality of transmission signals is selected (e.g., by the multichanneltuner) (box 455), and demodulated to isolate a second information signal(box 460). The second information signal is sent to the digital dataswitch (box 465), and the digital data switch sends the secondinformation signal to the second information appliance via the secondbroadband communications link (box 470).

[0063] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, aservice provider can download multimedia content items (e.g., movies,television programs, songs, albums, and so forth) to amultimedia-on-demand device (“MODD”) including a mass storage devicethat can store received multimedia content. In an embodiment, a MODD canbe part of a BMG that includes a plurality of tuner/demodulators and adata switch. Multimedia content downloading can be accomplished using abroadband data service, such as ADSL, a satellite directmulticast/broadcast service, a cable television service, a digital cabletelevision service, a terrestrially broadcast television service, awireless broadband data service, a wired broadband data service, and soon. Downloaded multimedia content items are stored on the mass storagedevice of the MODD. Each stored multimedia content item can beidentified by a multimedia content item identifier, and use of themultimedia content item (e.g., playback, purchase of a copy, licensingof a copy, etc.) can be indicated by a multimedia content item usageindicator. Usage of the multimedia content item can be reported to themultimedia-on-demand service provider (“MODSP”) by transmitting a usagemessage to the MODSP. For example, a usage message can be based at leastin part on the multimedia content item usage indicator and report that asubscriber viewed a movie, listened to a song, copied an album tonon-volatile medium (e.g., a recordable CD-ROM, a recordable DVD).

[0064] A MODD, in an embodiment, can automatically receive multimediacontent items from a MODSP, where the MODSP downloads a plurality ofmultimedia content items without a user selecting or requesting thedownloading of a particular multimedia content item. In an embodiment inwhich a MODSP offers a pay-per-view movie service, a user can opt toreceive the pay-per-view service (e.g., subscribe to the service) or mayreceive the pay-per-view service because it is a system default servicethat each user receives as part of using the system (e.g., it is abundled component of a digital cable service, a direct broadcastsatellite television service, and so on). But the user need not selector direct the downloading of an individual multimedia content item. TheMODSP can, however, automatically send the plurality of multimediacontent items based on a subscriber profile or a system profile, and theuser can modify or update such profiles (e.g., to select a particulargenre of movies, music, content, and so on).

[0065] For example, in an embodiment in which a MODSP offers apay-per-view service, the MODSP can automatically download each of thetop ten movie rentals for a given week to a MODD of a user. Aside fromperhaps subscribing to such a “Top Ten Movies” service, a user need notindividually indicate or order that one of the “Top Ten Movies” bedownloaded. To access the automatically downloaded content, the user caninstruct the MODD to display a listing of the “Top Ten Movies” that arestored on the mass storage device of the MODD and select one forplayback. The MODSP can update the “Top Ten Movies” by downloading a newmovie to the MODD to replace one of the previously stored movies (e.g.,by indicating that one of the previously stored movies is to be deleted,by storing the new movie in the storage position of one of thepreviously stored movies, by updating a data table that indexes thestored movies, etc.).

[0066] In another embodiment, a MODSP can automatically download each ofthe top 40 singles or albums of a particular music genre. The top 40lineup can be updated daily, weekly, monthly, or at another desired timeinterval. A user can modify a subscriber profile to identify the genreof multimedia content items that are to be automatically downloaded(e.g., county & western music, action movies, pop singles, new releases,etc.). A MODD can store the downloaded multimedia content items on amass storage device. It can include a data table to indicate whichmultimedia content items are locally stored and the usage status of eachof the multimedia content items.

[0067] For example, FIG. 5 shows a data table in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention. A MODD can include a data table 500(e.g., stored on a mass storage device, stored in non-volatile memory,etc.) Data table 500 can include a plurality of data records 501. Eachdata record 501 can correspond to a multimedia content item stored onthe mass storage device. In an embodiment, each data record 501 of datatable 500 includes a multimedia content item identifier field 505 tostore a multimedia content item identifier (e.g., a movie title, a movieidentification code, a movie filename, a song title, an album title, andso on), and a multimedia content item type indicator field 510 to storea multimedia content item type indicator (e.g., audio-video, audio,television program, movie, animation, presentation, graphics, text,etc.)

[0068] Data record 501, in an embodiment, can include multimedia contentitem usage indicator fields 520 and 530 that can each store an indicatoras to whether the corresponding multimedia content item has been used.For example, multimedia content item usage indicator field 520 can storean indication regarding whether the corresponding multimedia contentitem has been played (e.g., played for viewing, played for listening),and multimedia content item usage indicator field 530 can store anindication as to whether the corresponding multimedia content item hasbeen purchased (e.g., copied to a portable non-volatile storage mediumsuch as a recordable CD-ROM or DVD, sent to an information appliancethat can store the multimedia content item, changed from a temporaryfile to a permanent file resident on the mass storage device, copied toa separate mass storage device for archival purposes, etc.). In anotherembodiment, a multimedia content item usage indicator field can storeone or more multimedia content item usage indicators corresponding tothe multimedia content item (e.g., an indicator that the item has notbeen played or purchased, that the item was purchased, that the item waslicensed, and so forth). In an embodiment, the cost of playback and/orpurchase can vary based on the particular multimedia content item, andcost fields 515 and 525 can respectively store the cost of playback(e.g., cost of viewing, cost of listening) and cost of purchase (e.g.,cost of ownership, cost of a type of license, and so on).

[0069] In an embodiment, a MODD can be part of a BMG that includes adata switch and is coupled to a plurality of information appliances viaa plurality of broadband data links. A user at an information applianceof the plurality of information appliances can use a wireless infraredor RF remote control to access a BMG-generated Web page to determinewhat multimedia content items are currently stored on the MODD/BMG.After the consumer sends a usage instruction (e.g., playbackinstruction), the MODD/BMG can direct usage of the multimedia contentitem (e.g., begin streaming the selected multimedia content item to theinformation appliance). Usage information relating to the selectedmultimedia content item can be written to a data table 500.Periodically, data table 500 can be used to generate a usage messagethat is sent to the MODSP for customer billing purposes, customermonitoring purposes, account processing, etc. For example, the usagemessage can be sent each evening in the middle of the night via adial-up data connection, after each modification of the data table via adedicated data connection, and so forth. In an embodiment in which theMODD/BMG is coupled to an always on data service, a usage message can beautomatically sent immediately following a user purchase.

[0070] In an embodiment of the present invention, multimedia contentitems are sent to a MODD at a transmission rate that is different thanthe playback rate of the multimedia content item. Known pay-per-viewservices transmit television programs (e.g., movies, sporting events,etc.) at a real-time rate where the rate of playback is the same as thetransmission rate. Embodiments of the present invention advantageouslyprovide for transmission of multimedia content items at rates that arelesser and greater than a playback rate because the multimedia contentitems are to be stored on a mass storage device. For example, multimediacontent items can be automatically downloaded at high speed during aperiod of the day when a data network typically has fewer data demands(e.g., in the middle of the night). Also, multimedia content items canbe automatically downloaded at lower speeds (e.g., at one-quarter of theplayback rate, at one-tenth of the playback rate, at one-fiftieth of theplayback rate) based on network data demands, or network bandwidthconstraints.

[0071] For example, a 120 minute movie at an MPEG2 encoded rate of 3.5Mb/s can comprise a 3.15 gigabyte data file, and known ADSL services canprovide down stream data transmission rates of 1.5 Mbps. Downloading the120 minute movie over such an ADSL line can take approximately 4.7hours, and the downloading of the 120 minute to a MODD can beautomatically performed in the middle of the night. Subsequently, a usercan request that the movie be played back to an information appliance atthe playback rate (e.g., real-time).

[0072] In another embodiment of the present invention, the MODD canindicate that a multimedia content item is available for playback priorto storing the entirety of the multimedia content item. For example, amultimedia content item can have a 2 hour playback time and comprise a 2gigabyte data file. When the MODD receives the movie at an averagetransmission rate of, for example, 444 kbps, it can requireapproximately 10 hours total to receive the entirety of the multimediacontent item. When playback rate of the multimedia content item isrelatively smooth and the remaining amount of time required to completethe download is less than the playback time of the multimedia contentitem, the MODD can indicate that the multimedia content item isavailable for playback. Thus, when the downloading of the multimediacontent item began at noon, for example, and would not be complete until10:00 p.m., the MODD can nevertheless indicate that the multimediacontent item is available for playback beginning at 8:00 p.m.

[0073] A MODSP, in an embodiment of the present invention, can access asubscriber profile to determine which particular multimedia contentitems are to be automatically downloaded to a MODD. In an embodiment, asubscriber profile is a system default profile where each subscriberreceives the same content. In another embodiment, a subscriber profileallows a subscriber to specify the types of multimedia content itemsthat will be automatically downloaded to a MODD of the subscriber. Forexample, a subscriber can indicate that he would like to have the topten movie rentals downloaded and stored on his MODD. Each time that topten movie lineup changes (e.g., daily, weekly, biweekly, monthly, etc),the new movies can be automatically downloaded to the MODD and themovies that are no longer in the top ten movie lineup can be removed(e.g., deleted, overwritten, de-indexed, etc.) from the MODD.

[0074] In an embodiment, a MODSP automatically sends a multimediacontent item identifier with each multimedia content item that is sentto the MODD. The MODD can then store the multimedia content item on amass storage device and the multimedia content identifier in a datatable that can track usage, if any, of the multimedia content item.

[0075] A MODSP can also send a multimedia content item storage positionidentifier for each multimedia content item. The multimedia content itemstorage position identifier can specify a logical storage position for amultimedia content item. For example, in a top five movies-on-demandservice, the multimedia content item storage position identifier canspecify whether a particular movie is number 1, number 3, number 5, andso forth. When the movie lineup changes (e.g., the rankings of themovies are reordered), new multimedia content item storage positionidentifiers can be downloaded for the multimedia content items alreadystored on the MODD.

[0076] For example, Table 1 shows a top five movie lineup, where each ofmovies A, C, R, E, and S are stored on a MODD. TABLE 1 Storage PositionMultimedia Content Identifier Item Identifier 1 Movie A 2 Movie C 3Movie R 4 Movie E 5 Movie S

[0077] Table 2 shows that when the movie lineup changes (as compared toTable 1) without the addition of any new movie, the storage positionidentifiers can be updated (e.g., via downloading). TABLE 2 StoragePosition Multimedia Content Identifier Item Identifier 1 Movie S 2 MovieC 3 Movie A 4 Movie R 5 Movie E

[0078] Table 3 shows that when the movie lineup changes (as compared toTable 2) with the addition of one or more new movies: a new multimediacontent item can be automatically downloaded with a multimedia contentidentifier and a multimedia content item storage position identifiers;and/or an old multimedia content item can be removed (e.g., overwritten,deleted, evicted from a index, etc.). TABLE 3 Storage PositionMultimedia Content Identifier Item Identifier 1 Movie S 2 Movie C 3Movie A 4 Movie R 5 Movie F

[0079] In an embodiment, a multimedia content item identifier is acomposite multimedia content item identifier/multimedia content itemstorage position identifier. In another embodiment, a plurality ofmultimedia-on-demand services are supported by a MODD. For example, aMODD stores a plurality of movies-on-demand lineups (e.g., top actionmovies, top comedy movies) and a plurality of audio-on-demand lineups(e.g., top alternative albums, top country albums, top 40 singles), andthe multimedia content item storage position identifiers can be coded toidentify a particular multimedia-on-demand lineup (e.g., MA1, MA2, MA3correspond to three movies of a first movie lineup, MB1, MB2, MB3,correspond to three movies of a second movie lineup).

[0080] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention,instructions adapted to be executed by a processor to perform a methodare stored on a computer-readable medium. The computer-readable mediumcan be a device that stores digital information. For example, acomputer-readable medium includes a CD-ROM as is known in the art forstoring software. The computer-readable medium is accessed by aprocessor suitable for executing instructions adapted to be executed.The terms “adapted to be executed” and “instructions to be executed” aremeant to encompass any instructions that are ready to be executed intheir present form (e.g., machine code) by a processor, or requirefurther manipulation (e.g., compilation, decryption, or provided with anaccess code, etc.) to be ready to be executed by a processor.

[0081] In an embodiment of the present invention, a user at anyappliance through a Web-based graphical user interface can instruct theprocessor to record any broadcast program onto mass storage forsubsequent viewing and/or listening from a multiplicity of appliances.The user can choose to have the broadcast program recorded once or everytime that the program is broadcast.

[0082] Systems and methods in accordance with the embodiments of thepresent invention disclosed herein can advantageously provide a digitalresidential entertainment system. In an embodiment, a digitalresidential entertainment system can provide access to multimediacontent over an in-house broadband data network that is coupled to adata switch, a mass storage device and a variety of informationappliances. The broadband data network can include Category 5 or bettertwisted pair wiring that can support the distribution of broadcastvideo, multimedia-on-demand services, broadcast audio, Web surfing, andother multimedia applications and services. In an embodiment of thepresent invention, multimedia-on-demand services can be provided byautomatic downloading of multimedia content items to a mass storagedevice. A user can select usage (e.g., playing, purchasing) of thelocally-stored multimedia content items, and that usage can be reportedto the multimedia-on-demand service provider.

[0083] Embodiments of systems and methods for multimedia-on-demandservices have been described. In the foregoing description, for purposesof explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide athorough understanding of the present invention. It will be appreciated,however, by one skilled in the art that the present invention may bepracticed without these specific details. In other instances, structuresand devices are shown in block diagram form. Furthermore, one skilled inthe art can readily appreciate that the specific sequences in whichmethods are presented and performed are illustrative and it iscontemplated that the sequences can be varied and still remain withinthe spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0084] In the foregoing detailed description, systems and methods inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention have been describedwith reference to specific exemplary embodiments. Accordingly, thepresent specification and figures are to be regarded as illustrativerather than restrictive.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for multimedia on demand, the systemcomprising: a mass storage device, the mass storage device adapted toreceive and store a multimedia content item; a processor, the processorcoupled to the mass storage device; and a memory, the memory coupled tothe processor, the memory storing a multimedia-on-demand data table andmultimedia-on-demand instructions, the multimedia-on-demand data tableincluding a multimedia content identifier field to store a multimediacontent identifier, the multimedia content identifier to correspond to amultimedia content item stored on the mass storage device, and amultimedia content usage indicator field to store a multimedia contentusage indicator, the multimedia content usage indicator associated withthe multimedia content item stored on the mass storage device, themultimedia-on-demand instructions to be executed by the processor, themultimedia-on-demand instructions including instructions toautomatically receive the multimedia content item, and send amultimedia-on-demand usage message, the multimedia-on-demand usagemessage based at least in part on the multimedia content usageindicator.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the multimedia-on-demandinstructions include instructions to receive the multimedia content itemat a transmission rate that is less than a real time transmission rate;and write the multimedia content item to the mass storage device.
 3. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the instructions to receive the multimediacontent at a transmission rate that is less than a real timetransmission rate includes instructions to automatically receive themultimedia content at a transmission rate that is less than a real timetransmission rate.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the multimediacontent usage indicator is based at least in part on whether themultimedia content item associated with the multimedia content usageindicator was read from the mass storage device and sent to aninformation appliance for playback of multimedia content item.
 5. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the multimedia content usage indicator isadapted to indicate whether the multimedia content item was at least inpart sent to an information appliance for playback.
 6. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the multimedia content usage indicator is based atleast in part on whether the multimedia content item associated with themultimedia content usage indicator was read from the mass storage deviceand sent to an information appliance for non-volatile recording of themultimedia content item.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein themultimedia content usage indicator is adapted to indicate whether themultimedia content item was at least in part sent to an informationappliance for recording to a non-volatile data storage medium.
 8. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the multimedia-on-demand usage messageincludes data corresponding to the multimedia content identifier and themultimedia content usage indicator.
 9. The system of claim 1, whereinthe multimedia-on-demand usage message includes the multimedia contentidentifier and the multimedia content usage indicator.
 10. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the multimedia-on-demand usage message includesplayback cost data associated with the multimedia content usageindicator.
 11. The system of claim 1, wherein the multimedia-on-demandusage message includes purchase cost data associated with the multimediacontent usage indicator.
 12. The system of claim 1, further comprising adata switch coupled to the mass storage device.
 13. The system of claim12, further comprising a plurality of broadband communication linkscoupled to the data switch.
 14. The system of claim 13, furthercomprising a plurality of information appliances, each informationappliance of the plurality of information appliances coupled to abroadband communication link.
 15. The system of claim 1, wherein themultimedia content item is selected from the group consisting of amovie, a television program, a song, an album, an electronic book. 16.The system of claim 1, further comprising an input/output port coupledto the mass storage device to communicate with a multimedia recordingdevice.
 17. A system for multimedia on demand, the system comprising: amass storage device, the mass storage device adapted to receive andstore a plurality of multimedia content items; a processor, theprocessor coupled to the mass storage device; and a memory, the memorycoupled to the processor, the memory storing a multimedia-on-demand datatable and multimedia-on-demand instructions, the multimedia-on-demanddata table including a plurality of multimedia content usage records,each multimedia content usage record adapted to include a multimediacontent usage indicator field to store a multimedia content usageindicator, the multimedia content usage indicator associated with amultimedia content item stored on the mass storage device, and themultimedia-on-demand instructions to be executed the processor, themultimedia-on-demand instructions including instructions toautomatically receive the plurality of multimedia content items, andsend a multimedia-on-demand usage message, the multimedia-on-demandusage message to be based at least in part on the multimedia-on-demanddata table.
 18. The system of claim 17, wherein each multimedia contentusage record is adapted to include a multimedia content identifier fieldto store a multimedia content identifier, the multimedia contentidentifier to correspond to a multimedia content item of the pluralityof multimedia content items stored on the mass storage device.
 19. Thesystem of claim 17, wherein a multimedia content usage indicator isselected from the group consisting of a content played indicator, acontent purchased indicator, and a content unused indicator.
 20. Thesystem of claim 17, wherein the multimedia content usage message is tobe sent to a multimedia-on-demand service provider.
 21. The system ofclaim 17, wherein the multimedia-on-demand instructions includeinstructions to receive a multimedia content item at a transmission ratethat is less than a real time transmission rate.
 22. The system of claim17, wherein the multimedia-on-demand instructions include instructionsto receive a multimedia content item at a transmission rate that isdifferent from a playback rate of the multimedia content item.
 23. Thesystem of claim 17, wherein the multimedia-on-demand instructionsinclude instructions to: receive a portion of a multimedia content item,the portion of the multimedia content item being less than the entiretyof the multimedia content item, the portion of the multimedia contentitem being received at a transmission rate, the transmission rate beingdifferent from the playback rate; and make a determination thatcontinuous playback of the entirety of the multimedia content item canbegin prior to receipt of the entirety of the multimedia content item.24. The system of claim 23, wherein the determination is based at leastin part on the transmission rate and the playback rate.
 25. The systemof claim 17, wherein the multimedia-on-demand instructions includeinstructions to receive the plurality of multimedia content items from amultimedia-on-demand service provider, the multimedia-on-demand serviceprovider selected from the group consisting of a direct broadcastsatellite television service provider, a cable television serviceprovider, a terrestrial broadcast television service provider, awireless broadband data service provider, and a wired broadband dataservice provider.
 26. A method for providing multimedia-on-demand, themethod comprising: automatically receiving a first multimedia contentitem; storing the first multimedia content item; modifying a data tableto include a first multimedia content item identifier, the firstmultimedia content item identifier corresponding to the first multimediacontent item; and sending a multimedia usage report, the multimediausage report based at least in part on the data table.
 27. The method ofclaim 26, further comprising: receiving a multimedia content item usageinstruction related to the first multimedia content item; directingusage of the first multimedia content item based at least in part on themultimedia content item usage instruction; and updating the data tablebased at least in part on the multimedia content item usage instruction.28. The method of claim 27, wherein the multimedia content item usageinstruction is selected from the group consisting of an instruction toplayback the multimedia content item as part of a multimedia contentitem viewing transaction, an instruction to export the multimediacontent item as part of a multimedia content item purchase transaction,an instruction to store the multimedia content item as part of amultimedia content item deferred viewing transaction, and an instructionto allow use of the multimedia content item as part of a multimediacontent item licensing transaction.
 29. The method of claim 27, whereinupdating the data table based at least in part on the multimedia contentitem usage instruction includes storing a first multimedia content itemusage indicator, the first multimedia content item usage indicatorassociated with the first multimedia content identifier.
 30. The methodof claim 29, wherein the multimedia usage report is based at least inpart on the first multimedia content item usage indicator.
 31. Themethod of claim 30, wherein the first multimedia content item usageindicator is selected from the group consisting of a content playedindicator, a content purchased indicator, and a content licensedindicator.
 32. The method of claim 26, further comprising: automaticallyreceiving a second multimedia content item, the second multimediacontent item to replace the first multimedia content item; storing thesecond multimedia content item; and updating the data table to include asecond multimedia content item identifier, the second multimedia contentitem identifier corresponding to the second multimedia content item. 33.The method of claim 32, wherein storing the second multimedia contentitem includes deleting the first multimedia content item.
 34. The methodof claim 32, wherein updating the data table to include a secondmultimedia content item identifier includes deleting the firstmultimedia content identifier.
 35. The method of claim 26, whereinautomatically receiving a first multimedia content item includesreceiving the first multimedia content item at a transmission rate thatis different from a playback rate of the first multimedia content item.36. A method for providing multimedia-on-demand, the method comprising:automatically receiving a portion of a multimedia content item at atransmission rate, the portion of the multimedia content item being lessthan the entirety of the multimedia content item, the transmission ratebeing less than the playback rate of the multimedia content item;storing the portion of the multimedia content item; and making adetermination that continuous playback of the entirety of the multimediacontent item can begin prior to the receipt of the entirety of themultimedia content item.
 37. The method of claim 36, further comprising:modifying a data table to include a multimedia content item identifier,the multimedia content item identifier corresponding to the multimediacontent item; and sending a multimedia usage report, the multimediausage report based at least in part on the data table.
 38. A method forproviding multimedia-on-demand, the method comprising: automaticallysending a plurality of multimedia content items and a plurality ofmultimedia content item storage identifiers, wherein the automaticallysending is based at least in part on a subscriber profile, eachmultimedia content item of the plurality of multimedia content itemscorresponding to a multimedia content item storage identifier of theplurality of multimedia content item storage identifiers; and receivinga multimedia content usage report, the multimedia content usage reportincluding a multimedia content item usage indicator, the multimediacontent item usage indicator corresponding to a multimedia content itemof the plurality of multimedia content items.
 39. The method of claim38, wherein each multimedia content item storage identifier includes amultimedia content item identifier and a multimedia content item storageposition identifier.
 40. The method of claim 39, wherein automaticallysending a plurality of multimedia content items and a plurality ofmultimedia content item storage identifiers includes: sending a firstmultimedia content item of the plurality of multimedia content items,the first multimedia content item having a first multimedia content itemidentifier and a first multimedia content item storage position, andsubsequently sending a second multimedia content item of the pluralityof multimedia content items, the second multimedia content item having asecond multimedia content identifier and the first multimedia contentitem storage position.
 41. A computer-readable medium storing aplurality of instructions to be executed by a processor for multimediaon demand services, the plurality of instructions comprisinginstructions to: automatically send, based at least in part on asubscriber profile, a plurality of multimedia content items and aplurality of multimedia content item storage identifiers, eachmultimedia content item of the plurality of multimedia content items tocorrespond to a multimedia content item storage identifier of theplurality of multimedia content item storage identifiers; and receive amultimedia content usage report, the multimedia content usage reportadapted to include a multimedia content item usage indicator, themultimedia content item usage indicator adapted to correspond to amultimedia content item of the plurality of multimedia content items.42. The computer-readable medium of claim 41, wherein each multimediacontent item storage identifier includes a multimedia content itemidentifier and a multimedia content item storage position identifier;and the instructions to automatically send a plurality of multimediacontent items and a plurality of multimedia content item storageidentifiers includes instructions to: send a first multimedia contentitem of the plurality of multimedia content items, the first multimediacontent item having a first multimedia content item identifier and afirst multimedia content item storage position, and subsequently send asecond multimedia content item of the plurality of multimedia contentitems, the second multimedia content item having a second multimediacontent identifier and the first multimedia content item storageposition.